Quarterback, Defense Green for Crimson Tide

Making his way through the crowds at the Southeastern Conference's media day, Alabama senior cornerback Ramzee Robinson was asked for an autograph. Robinson, who had been happily signing his name for Crimson Tide fans, looked at the man and declined.

"Why not?" he asked.

Robinson replied, "You got an Auburn shirt on."

Robinson and a few Crimson Tide fans got a laugh out of the episode, but in the end, Robinson still refused to give him his autograph.

"He was a little upset, but come on man, he was an Auburn fan," Robinson said. "I'm not going to sign an Auburn fan's shirt."

So lies the players' allegiance to Alabama, where the blood runs crimson and not red. As the team prepares to host Hawaii on Sept. 2, Alabama has a couple of questions to answer, including the readiness of John Parker Wilson, who takes over at quarterback after the departure of Brodie Croyle, now with the Kansas City Chiefs.

As a freshman last year, Wilson appeared in only five games, meaning that much of this summer was spent watching film and trying to make up for his lack of experience. Wilson, however, will be aided by senior tailback Kenneth Darby, who in 2005 rushed for 1,242 yards and three touchdowns, and an offensive line that includes Antoine Caldwell, who has moved from guard to center, and B.J. Stabler. Wilson said having those players around him is comforting.

"It's one of those things that's in your mind, and it's good to know that you've got guys with game experience in that position," Wilson said.

However, with only one senior, the offensive line is quite young. In addition, the Crimson Tide is awaiting the return of senior wide receiver Tyrone Prothro, who broke his left fibula and tibia last October in a game against Florida. Coach Mike Shula said he wasn't sure if Prothro would be able to play this year but added that even if he could not come back, Prothro could use his redshirt year and return in 2007.

On defense, the primary concern comes from a lack of returning starters: There are only four. The Crimson Tide ranked second nationally in total defense last year, but Shula is now charged with replacing the likes of outside linebacker DeMeco Ryans, defensive end Mark Anderson and safeties Roman Harper and Charlie Peprah.

It's a new situation for Shula, who went through a similar transition with last year's offense.

"Offensively, last year we had some unknowns, some guys who were just going to have to play [who] we didn't know a lot about," Shula said Monday during Alabama's media day. "Now we're starting to see some of that on defense. We have to find out about Lorenzo Washington, Brandon Fanney, Brandon Deadrick. Those were all redshirt freshmen that are going to have to come in and contribute."

Robinson is the lone returner in the secondary and is expected to be one of the team's leaders.

Much has improved since Robinson first arrived at Alabama, where the chaotic coaching changes from Dennis Franchione to Mike Price to Shula left Robinson grasping to understand the nature of the college football business.

"Being as young as I was, not being naive but not understanding that it was a business when it comes to coaching staff, I was heartbroken," Robinson said.

But over time, once the Tide began to move past its 4-9 season in 2003 and Robinson realized Shula was staying with the team, he began to develop a relationship with his coach. Robinson called the entire process long and crazy but said it has made him a better player.

"If I went back in time, I wouldn't have changed it for the world," Robinson said. "It's a maturity factor, you grow up quicker. The faster they mature, the more they develop as men and the better they'll be."

With such a young team, there is the added stock placed on maturity. But there also is something to be said for loyalty. Of Robinson, Shula said: "I think he's been a great leader for us, on the field and off the field. He's got a very effervescent personality. He did a nice job at media day."